78170 - History of Manichaeism and of the Iranian Gnosis (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The student is expected to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the historical and religious problems concerning the Manichaeism and Gnosticism, within the Iranian milieu and connected areas of Near East and Central Asia. The learning outcomes also entail an appropriate skillfulness in talking and writing to present his acquaintance of the due bibliography

Course contents

Mani, the Apostle of Jesus Christ and the Seal of Prophets

The course will be focusing on the prophet Mani (3rd century A.D.) and the religion founded by him, which was spread from the Mediterranean to Central Asia and China.

The course will particularly be dealing with the dualism between the two principles, the Ligth and the Darkness/Wisdom and Ignorance, and will approach many doctrinal texts (myths, hagiographic stories, homilies, parables, sermons) in order to understand the basic ethical tenets of this religion and its teachings of knowledge and salvation.

Any topic will be examined by means of a critical bibliography and of reading of original Manichaeans texts (uploaded on VIRTUALE). The basic features of this missionary and universal religion will also be envisaged in relationship with the general theme of Gnosticism (Nag Hammadi Coptic texts and Greek-Latin Gnostic texts) and the cultural interactions with other religious systems (Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism).

The course will last 5 weeks: the manual (Piras) and teaching materials will be approached in the following way:

First week: Subject 1 and 2

Second week: reading of the manual (Piras)

Third week: Subject 3 (Mani's life and missions)

Fourth week: Subject 4 (doctrine)

Fifth week: Subject 5 (didactical texts, parables, tales)

 

Readings/Bibliography

1. For a general introduction, one volume among this list:

A. Piras, Manicheismo, ed. La Scuola, Brescia 2015 [the book is available for free at the Library G.R. Franci, via Zamboni 33]

M. Tardieu, Il manicheismo, ed. Lionello Giordano, Cosenza 1988.

 

2. Didactical tools of Manichaeans texts (Greek, Latin, Coptic, Iranian, Chinese, Turkic) will be uploaded on the web-site of this teaching, to be read and commented during the lessons. Students from abroad could arrange a different bibliography (English, French), if they prefer.

3. A general introduction on the Gnosticism (facultatively) is K. Rudolph, La Gnosi, ed. Paideia, Brescia 2000 (or English editions of the same book).

4. The student interested in changes of bibliography, integrations or substitutions, can arrange an agreement with the teacher. The interdisciplinary feature of the course entails this possibility, especially for these teachings: Roman History (Late Antiquity); Byzantine History; Medieval History (Christian dualisms); Modern History (haeretical movements); Contemporary History (Gnosis and politics). History of Christianity; Ancient Christian Literature; History of Religions. Oriental studies: Hebraistic, Iranology, Islamistic, Indology, Sinology

Bibliography for not attending: the above quoted A. Piras' book; the pages 99-123 of Kurt Rudolph's book and a choice of didactic readings included in Virtuale platform

Students with learning disabilities (DSA) are advised to read the manual, the preparatory material of Subject 1 and 2 and the pages 99-123 of K. Rudolph, La Gnosi, Paideia, Brescia 2000.

 

Teaching methods

conventional lessons and visual implements (power point and projector)

Assessment methods

The evaluation of learning will take place through individual interviews.

No distinction will be made between attending and non-attending students as regards the assessment policy.

The student will have to prove that he/she has learned the basic notions. On the basis of the lessons attended, the student must be able to contextualise the documentary sources submitted. The test will also involve a precise questioning of all the texts indicated in the bibliographic programme.

EXCELLENT EVALUATION
If the student demonstrates knowledge of the subject, an excellent capacity for exposition and logical connections between different historical-archaeological problems, he/she will obtain the maximum mark (30). If the presentation is excellent, honours will be added (cum laude).

GOOD OR FAIR EVALUATION
Students with basic knowledge who are able to contextualise the materials examined, even if the language used is not always appropriate to the subject, will pass the examination. The awarding of a mark more or less close to 29 will depend on the critical capacity, the methodological autonomy demonstrated during the interview and the fluency of the discourse that the student will be able to organise in response to the questions.


SUFFICIENT EVALUATION
Students whose basic knowledge is not homogeneous and who have little mastery of exposition, but who are able to answer correctly, showing that they have done at least some preparatory work on their notes and/or texts, will be awarded a mark between 18 and 25.


NEGATIVE EVALUATION
Students with a lack of preparation, no ability to analyse the discipline and who have not memorised the bibliography will not pass the exams.

 

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

Students who are affected by learning disability (DSA) and in need of special strategies to compensate it, are kindly requested to contact the Teacher, in order to be referred to the colleagues in charge and get proper advice and instructions

EXAMS sessions are scheduled for the following months of the academic year: March, May, July, September, November, December

Teaching tools

Didactic tools of uploaded pdf, power points and projectors

Students who are affected by learning disability (DSA) and in need of special strategies to compensate it, are kindly requested to contact the Teacher, in order to be referred to the colleagues in charge and get proper advice and instructions

Links to further information

http://www.manichaeism.de

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Piras